Portable inclined elevator



Oct. 17, 1950 Filed Sept. l0, 1948 J. R. EsTEY 2,526,071

PORTABLE INCLINED ELEVATOR 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 @la FQQ Oct. 17, 1950 J. R. ESTEY 2,526,071

PORTABLE INCLINED ELEVATOR Filed Sept. l0, 1948 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 oct. 17, 195o J. R. ESTEY 2,526,071

PORTABLE INCLINED ELEVATOR Filed Sept. l0, 1948 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 ffO Oct. 17, 1950 J. R. EsTEY 2,526,071

A PORTABLE INCLINED ELEvAToR Filed sept. 1o, 1948 fyf nr 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Oct. 17, 1950 J. R. EsTEY 2,526,071

PORTABLE INCLINED ELEvAToR Filer; sept. 10,. 194e 5 sneets-s'heet 5 y LJ ,ZO/

l Patented Oct. 17, 1950 PORTABLE' INCLINED ELEVATOR James Royden Estoy, South Pasadena, Calif., as-

signor to Alumine'x Incorporated, Los Angeles, Calif., a corporation of California ApplicatonSeptember 10, 1948, Serial No. 48,661

Myinvention relates in general to hoists and, more particularly, to a semi-portable hoisting apparatus for elevating loads from one level of a building or other structure to another. Since the invention is particularly applicable to and was originally embodied in an apparatus to be used by glaziers for elevating to the roof of a building glass which is to be set in skylights or the like in the roof, I prefer to consider such an application of the invention herein for convenience in disclosing same. However, it will be understood that Ido not intend to be limited thereto since, as will. be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is susceptible to various other applications.

A primary object of my invention is to provide a hoist comprising a ladder-like structure or frame which is adapted to be leaned against a side of the building in a position slightly inclined from the vertical and with the upper end thereof 22 Claims. (Cl. 214-100) extending above the edge ofthe roof,land which ,y

includes tracks for an elevator for moving a load oi glass or other material to the roof.

Another object is toy provide a hoist comprising an articulate structure having a base section which is adapted to be leaned against a side of a building with its lower end restingA on the ground or other supporting surface, and having an upper, auxiliary section which is pivotally'con..

nected to the base section adjacent its upperendV for-rotation about` a substantially horizontal axis,`

the auxiliary section being rotatable downardly from a position in which it is aligned with the base section to a position in which it is conveniently accessible from the roof of the building.

A further object is to provide a hoist of the foregoing character wherein the base and auxiliary sections of the articulate structure are provided with cooperating tracks which extend substantially from the lower end of the structure to the upper end thereof and which permit movement of the elevator from the base section of the structure onto the pivoted auxiliary section thereof. With this construction, the elevator may be moved upwardly along the tracks on the base section of the structure onto the tracks onthe auxiliary section thereof and the auxiliary section may subsequently be rotated downwardly, with the elevator thereon, into a position Such that the load of glass or other material carried by vthe elevator may be removed therefrom readily by an opera-tor on the roof of the building, which is an important feature of the invention. -v

auxiliary sections of the structure for releasably securing the auxiliary section to the base sectionv to prevent rotation of the auxiliary section, and include the provision ofmeans carried by the auxiliary section and engageable with the roof of the building forvsupporting the auxiliary sec- Vauxiliary section that the latter is substantially balanced, whereby it may be rotated relative to the base section readily, this being another important feature of the invention.

Still another object is to provide a hoist of the foregoing character having actuating means'for 'moving the elevator upwardly valong its tracks which is located adjacent the upper end ofthe hoist structureto minimize the load imposed upon the structure.

A further objectjof the invention is to-provide means controlling the operation of the actuating means for limiting movement of the elevator along its tracks so as to prevent movement thereof beyond the ends of the tracks.

Another object is to provide a hoist structure having a telescoping base section whose length may be variedto permit use of the hoist with buildings of various heights, the basesection of the l.hoist structure being similar toan extension ladder in this respect.

Another object is to provide a hoist structure wherein the tracks on the various sections of the structure are adapted to overlap and wherein the elevator is provided with means thereon for guid- Another important object is to provide means on the elevator lfor automatically removing' the load placed on the loading carriage as the elevator moves upwardly along its tracks. A related 4object is tov provide a loading carriage which is movable along substantially horizontal car- Other objects in this connection include the riage tracks to permit moving the loading carriage outoi the path of the elevator as it descends preparatory tor picking up another load.

vOther objects of the invention include the provision of a hoist wherein the base section of the hoist structure is pivotable relative to the tracks for the loading carriage, and wherein the loading carriage is provided with load supporting means thereon which is pivotable to permit alignment thereof with the pivotable base section of the hoist structure.

An additional object of the invention is to provide a lightweight hoist which may be moved from one location to another readily.

The foregoing objects and advantages of the invention, together with various other objects and advantages thereof which will become apparent, may be attained through the utilization of the exemplary embodiment which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings and which is described in detail hereinafter. Referring to the drawings:

Fig. l is a side elevational view showing a hoist which embodies the invention in position against the side of a building;

Fig. 2 is a front elevational view of the hoist;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged, front elevational view of a base section of an articulate structure or frame which forms part of the hoist;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged, side elevational View of the base section of the articulate hoist structure;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged, fragmentary, side elevational View showing an upper, auxiliary section of the hoist structure pivotally connected to the base section thereof;

Figs. 6 and 7 are fragmentary sectional views taken along the broken lines 6 6 and '1 -5, respectively, of Fig. 4;

Fig. 8 is an enlarged, front elevational View of an elevator which forms part of the hoist;

Fig. 9 is an enlarged, side elevational view of the elevator;

Figs. 10 and 11 are fragmentary sectional views which are taken along the broken'lines |D-|E| and respectively, of Fig. 8;

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along the broken line |2|2 of Fig. 11;

Fig. 13 is a plan view showing the auxiliary section of the hoist structure in a lowered position;

Fig. 14 is a side elevational view showing the auxiliary section in its lowered position;

Fig. l5 is an enlarged, rear elevational view of an actuating means for the elevator;

Fig. 16 is an enlarged, side elevational view of the actuating means;

Fig. 17 is an enlarged, front elevational view of a loading carriage which forms part of the hoist;

Fig. 18 is an enlarged, side elevational view of the loading carriage;

Figs. 19 and 20 are fragmentary sectional views taken along the broken lines |9|9 and 20-20, respectively, of Fig. 17; and

Fig. 21 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along the broken line 2|-2l of Fig. 19.

Referring particularly to Fig. 1 of the drawings, I show the hoist of my invention as used to elevate a load 3| substantially from an elevation 32, which may be at ground level, for example, to approximately the level of a roof 33 of a building 34, the hoist being leaned against one side 35 of the building in ladderlike fashion. In the particular application of the invention illustrated in the drawings, the roof 33 of the building 34 is flat, i. e., substantially horizontaL'and is Asurrounded by a parapet 36 against which the hoist is adapted to lean. However, it will `be understood that my hoist is not limited to use with buildings of this type and that it may be used with buildings of other types and with various structures other than buildings.

As previously indicated, one of many possible uses of my hoist is to elevate glass to the roof oi' a building such as the building 34 and I prefer to consider the hoist in such connection herein for convenience in disclosing the invention. When my hoist is used for this purpose, the load 3| elevated thereby may comprise a plurality of sheets or panes 3'! of glass which are to be set in skylights (not shown), for example,

in the roof 33 of the building 34. However, it will be understood that my hoist is shown in use for elevating a load 3| of glass solely for purposes of illustrationV and that I do not intend to be limited to such use.

Referring particularly to Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawings, the hoistincludes, in general, an articulate hoist structure or frame 4| which comprises a lower, base section'42 having an upper, auxiliary section 43 pivotally connected thereto adjacent its upper end for rotation about a subsequently horizontal axis A-A, the base section being adapted to rest on the ground or other supporting surface at the elevation 32 and being adapted to lean against the side 35 of the building 34 in a substantially vertical position with its upper end extending somewhat above the Vparapet 35 surrounding the roof 33 of the building. It will be understood that if the hoist is to be used in connection with a building having a pitched roof, the base section 42 of the hoist structure 4| will extend somewhat above the eave line of such roof. The base section 42 includes two telescoping parts 44 and 45 which are relatively slidable to permit varying the length of the base section so that the hoist can be used with buildings of various heights, the base section of the hoist structure 4| being somewhat similar to an extension ladder in this respect.

The auxiliary section 43 of the hoist structure 4|,being pivotally connected to the base section 42 thereof as previously mentioned, is rotatable from an upright, substantially vertical position (shown in solid lines in Fig. 1 of the drawings) wherein it is aligned with the base section to a lower, approximately horizontal position (shown in broken lines in Fig. 1 and indicated by the numeral 43a) to facilitate removalof a load elevated by the hoist by an operator standing on the roof 33 of the building 34 as will be discussed in more detail hereinafter. As best shown in Fig. 1 of the drawings, the auxiliary section 43 is provided with adjustable means 46 adapted to rest on the roof 33 for supporting the auxiliary section in its lowered position.

The hoist includes an elevator 50 which is movable substantially from the lower end of the hoist structure 4| to the upper end thereof along tracks on the base and auxiliary sections 42 and 43 of the hoist structure, the tracks for the elevator being described in more detail hereinafter. The hoist also includes actuating means 5| for moving the elevator 50 along its tracks, the actuating means being mounted on the auxiliary section 43 of the hoist structure for an important reason which will be discussed hereinafter.

Cooperating with the elevator 5U is a loading vator50, is being moved upwardly by the. actuatingv means 5l. As will be discussed. in more de- 6'* interconnected intermediate theirl ends by a strap member 86. The frame members 85, which are formed of tubular material in the particular construction illustrated, are connected at their respective ends to the track members ll and 13 in any suitable manner, one possible connection being illustrated in Fig. 6 of the drawings which shows in detail one of the frame members 85 connected to the track member 18. Referring to Fig. 6, the track member 78 is provided with an opening 81 which receives an end of one of the frame tail hereinafter, the load-supporting means 55 on H Considering the hoist in more detail, the lowerv part '1i/of the base section 42 of the hoist structure il includes a pair of spaced, parallel frame members 5l and 82 which, as will be discussed in more detail hereinafter, provide tracks for the elevator 5r., the members (i and 62 being referred to hereinafteras track members for convenience. The track members 6l and 62 are rigidly connected, as by transverse frame members 63 and 64 and diagonal bracing members 65 and 65, the members 53 to @E being suitably secured at their respective ends to the track members iii and 62. Foot members t? and 68 are connected to the lower ends of the track members El and 62, respectively, and are adapted to rest on the ground or other surface to support the hoist, the foot members being pivotally connected to the track members to permit varying the angle of the vhoist relative to the ground or other supporting flanges and a pair of `outwardly extending, longitudinal flanges, the inwardly extending anges of the track members 5l andl 62 being identified by the numerals l! and l2, respectively, and the outwardly extending flanges thereof being identified by the numerals 73 and 14, respectively. As will be discussed in more detail hereinafter, one of the outwardly extending flanges *i3 of the track member 6| and one of the outwardly extending flanges 'M of the track member 62 provide tracks for the elevator 50. k

As best shown in Figs. 3 and 4 of the drawings, the upper part 45 of the base section 42 of the hoist structure lil includes a pair of spaced, parallel track members Vl and 'i8 which are also I-beams in the particular construction illustrated, the track members l? and 'lbeing provided with pairs ofA inwardly extending, longitudinal flanges 19 and 3Q, respectively, and being provided with pairs of outwardly extending, longitudinal flanges Si and 82, respectively. YAs will be discussed in more detail hereinafter, one of the inwardly extending anges i9 of the track member 71 and one of the inwardly extendingflanges 8i) of the track member 'l provide tracks for the elevator 50.

The track members *il and 18 of the upper part 45 of the base section l2 are rigidly connected by rung-like, transverse frame members 85 which are spaced apart longitudinally of the track members 'l1 and 7B, the frame members 85 being .ber 1T.,

members e5, Athis frame member being secured to the "track member i8 by means of hanged collars 88 pressed on the member B5 on opposite sides of the web of the I-beam forming the track member 18.

The track members 6! and 62 of the lower part 44 of the base section i2 receive the upperl part 45 of the. base section therebetween as best shown in Fig. 3 of the drawings, the track members 6l and 'H being disposed side-by-side in such a manner that the kedges of the inwardly extending flanges 7| of the track member @6| slidably engage,

or substantially slidably engage, the edges of thev outwardly extending flanges 8| of the track mem- The track members 62 and T8 are disposed side-by-side infa similar manner. Guide members 89 are disposed between the inwardly extending flanges El ofv the track member 6 Ir and the outwardly extending flanges 8l `of the track member 11 to .prevent transverse separation of the two parts of the base section .12 of the hoist structure 4|. Similarly, guide members 9E! are disposed between the inwardly extending flanges T2 ofthe track member 62 and the outwardly extending flanges 82 of the track member 18 to `prevent transverse separation of the two parts of the b-ase section, one of the guide members 9|) being shown in detail in Fig. 7 of the drawings. The guide members 89 and 90 may be short channels which aresecured to the track members 6l and B2, respectively, as by bolts, for example.

VIt will thus be apparent that the two parts 44 and l5 of the base section d2 of the hoist structure are relatively slidable to permit varying the length of the base section so that the hoist may be used with buildings of various heights, the guide members 8S and 9d preventing transverse separation of the two parts of the base section. The two parts of the base section may be secured in any one of several relative positions to provide Various lengths for the base section by means of bolts 9| and 92, for example, respectively connectingthe track members 6l and Tl and the track members 52 and 18. Preferably, the track members Si, 52, ll and 78 are provided with a plurality of holes therein for the bolts 9| and 92 to permit varying the length of the base section 42 of the hoist structure 4l by increments or" suitable length.

Referring particularly to Fig. 2 of the drawings, the auxiliary section d3 of the hoist structure di, which, as previously indicated, is pivotally connected lto the base section ft2 thereof for rotation about the horizontal axis A-A, includes a pair of longitudinal frame members 9T and 9&3`

1 the base section 42 of the hoist structure4 therebetween. As best shown in Fig. 3 of the drawings, the track members 91 and 98 are pivotally connected to the track members 11 and 18, respectively, as by bolts lill and |02, respectively. Bearing members |33 and |34, exemplied as short channels respectively disposed between the outwardly extending anges 8| of the track member 11 and the outwardly extending flanges B2 of the track member 18, are respectively interposed between the track members 11 and 31 and the track members 1B and S8. 1n the particular construction illus rated, the track members 31 and 9:3 are channels having outwardly extending, longitudinal anges ll and |68, respectively. As will be discussed in more detail hereinafter, one of the flanges |51 and one of the flanges |08 serve as tracks for the elevator rThe auxiliary section of the hoist structure lil and the upper part 55 of the base section 42 thereof are provided with cooperating means thereon for releasably securing the auxiliary section in its upright position, shown in solid lines in Fig. 1 of the drawings, until such time as it is to be rotated into its lowered position to permit removal of a load from the elevator 53. Referring particularly to Fig. of the drawings, the securing means for the auxiliary section t3 comprises, in the particular construction illustrated, a latch 169 which is mounted on the track member 3S and which is engageable with a latch plate |13 on the track member 18, the latch |39 :being discngageable from the latch plate by means of a chain i i, or the like, which may be pulled to disengage the lat-ch from the latch plate by an operato-r on the roof of the building 35. 1n order to prevent rotation of the auxiliary section 43 of the hoist structure beyond its upright position in the counterclockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. l of the drawings, the track members 11 and 18 of the upper part 15 of the base section of the hoist structure are provided with flanges |13 and ilfl thereon against which the respective track members 91 and 58 of the auxiliary section 43 are adapted to seat, the flanges ||3 and H4 being shown in Figs. 2 and 3 of the drawings and the manner in which the track member 38 seats against the ange i |11 being clearly indicated in Figs. 1 and 5 thereof.

As best shown in Figs. l, 2, 13 and 14 of the drawings, the means 35 for supporting the auX- iliary section |13 of the hoist structure il when it is in its lowered position comprises a pair of standards and H5 which are pivotally connected to the track members 91 and 38, respectively, of the auxiliary section. The standards |15 and ll are respectively provided with pivotable foot members l l1 and i8 which are adapted to rest on the roof 33 of the building 34, the foot members being pivotally connected to the standards to permit variations of the angles between the standards and the auxiliary section 43 of the hoist structureand between the auxiliary section of the hoist structure and the base section 42 thereof. Such angular variations Vmay result from variations in the position of the axis of rotation A-A of the auxiliary section i3 relative to the roof 33, variations in the pitch of the roof, etc. Also, the lengths of the standards l l5 and l I6 are preferably variable to permit further variations in the angle between the auxiliary section 43 of the hoist structure 4| and the base section l2 thereof, each of the standards being formed in two parts which may be overlapped to varying extents to attain this end. As best shown in Fig. 14 of the drawings, the standard l I6, for example,

is formed in two parts l i9 and |26 which are secured together by bolts |21, each of the two parts of the standard H3 being provided with a plurality of holes therein through various combinations of which the bolts 12| may be inserted to vary the length of the standard. A similar construction is employed for the standard l5.

The standards ||5 and l|6 may swing freely from the auxiliary section 43 of the hoist structure and, as best shown in Fig. 1 of the drawings, normally hang downwardly therefrom when the auxiliary section is in its upright position. When the auxiliary section 43 is rotated into its lowered position, i. e., the position indicated by the numeral 43a in Fig. 1 of the drawings, the standards ||5 and ||6 automatically rotate relative to the auxiliary section into positions such that the foot members ||1 and IIS thereon engage the roof 33 to support the auxiliary section in its lowered position.

Referring particularly to Figs. 8 to 12 of the drawings, the elevator 53 comprises an elevator frame or carriage having a pair of spaced, parallel frame members |25 and |25, exemplified as channels, which are rigidly connected by transverse frame members |21 and |28 and diagonal bracing members |29. The transverse frame member |21 provides a shelf which forms the previously mentioned load-supporting means 55 on the elevator 55 and, as best shown in Figs. 9 and 11 of the drawings, comprises an upwardlyfacing channel in the particular construction illustrated, the channel |21 being adapted to receive the lower edges of panes of glass or other similar material. Since, as indicated in Fig, 1 of the drawings, the hoist is inclined somewhat in its leaning position against the side 35 of the building 34, the rearmost of the panes of glass or other material carried by the channel |21 will rest against the channels |25 and |26 of the elevator 5&1 and against the diagonal bracing members |29. As best shown in Figs. 8 and 11 of the drawings, blocks |30 of cushioning material are preferably disposed in the channel |21 to protect the lower edges of panes of glass set therein.

The elevator 5|] is provided with means for guiding it along the tracks provided by the various track members 6|, 52, 11, 18, 91 and 98, the guiding means comprising roller assemblies |35 and |35 which are carried by the channel |25 and which are engageable with the track members 6|, 11 and 91, and comprising roller assemblies |31 and |38 which are carried by the channel |26 and which are engageable with the track members 62, 18 and 98. The roller assemblies |35 and |31 are identical, as are the roller assemblies |36- and |33, so that only the assemblies |35 and |36 will be described in detail.

Referring particularly to Figs. 8 and 10 of the drawings, the roller assembly |35 includes a pair of rollers |4| and |112 carried by a spindle |43 which extends through the anges of the channel |25, the rollers 14| and |22 beingv disposed between the flanges ofthe channel |25. The roller |4| is adapted to engage the forward sides of one of the flanges 1| and one of the flanges 13 of the track member 6| and the roller |112 is adapted to engage the forward sides of one of the flanges 19 and one of the flanges 8| of the track member 11. It will be noted that the width of the channel |25 is somewhat greater than the combined widths of the track members 5| and 11 to permit such engagement between the rollers |4|` and |42 and the track members 6| and 11.

It will be apparent that if 42 of the hoist structure is extended so that the track members 6| and 11 do not overlap throughout their entire lengths, the roller |4| may be disengaged from the track member 6| while the roller |42 is in engagement with the track member 11, o1` vice versa, the rollers |4| and |42 both engaging their respective track members only in the zone in which the two track members overlap. However, it will be noted that one of the rollers |4|' and |42 will always be in engagement with one of the track-members 6| and 11. Also,'as the elevator v59 .is moved upwardly toward the auxiliary section 43 of the hoist structure, the

roller Itlll isada'pted to engage one of the flanges |01 on the track member 91 of the auxiliary section in a manner not specifically shown in the drawings but substantially identical toY the manner in which it eng-ages the flanges 1| and after rolling along the. track member 11. When the point at which the track member 91 of the auxiliary section 43 and the track member 11 overlap is reached, the rollers |4| and |42 will roll along the trackmembers 91 and 11, respectively. Thereafter, the roller |42' will disengage the track member 11 as it reaches the venel of the overlap between Ythe track membersv llll and S1 so that only the roller |4| will be in engagement with its track member, i. e., the track member 91, as the elevator 50 approaches'the upper limit of its travel. Thus, when the hoist structure 4| is substantially vertical, as shown in Fig. 1, for example, one of the rollers |4| and |42 is always in engagement with one'of the track members 6|, v11 and 9.1 throughout the entire range of movement of the elevator 50.

Again referring particular-ly to Fig. of the drawings, the channel |25 carries rollers |45 and |46 which are adapted to engage the track members 6|, 11 and 91 to prevent lateral shifting of the elevator 50, the roller |45 being adapted to engage the edge of one of the iianges 13 on the track member 6| and the edge of one of the anges |01 on the track member 91, and the roller |46 being adapted to engage the edge of one of the flanges 19 on the track member 11.

The roller |45 of the roller assembly |35 is paired n the base section p el'evator`50.,y Thus the rollers |45 and |46 ,of the assembly |35 and the corresponding rollers of the assembly |31 prevent lateral movement of the elevator 50 irrespective of its vertical position relative to the hoist structure 4|. v

A The rollerassemblyf|35 is also provided with rollers |41 and |46 for preventing forward move- 'off the iianges 19 on the track member 11. Thus,-

one of the outwardly extending flanges 14 and |08 of the track Vmembers 52 and 98 to preventv lateral shifting of the elevator 59. Similarly, when the roller |46 of the roller assembly |35 is in engagement with the edge of one of the inwardly extending anges 19 of the track member 4 ber 18 to prevent transverse movement of the one of the rollers |41 and |48 is adapted to engage one of the track members 6|, 11 and 91 to prevent forward movement of the elevator 50 away from the -hoist structure 4|. The roller assembly |31 includes Acorresponding rollers (not vshown in detail) which are adapted to engage the track members 62, 18 and 93.

Referring now to Figs. 11 and l2 of the drawings in'particular, theroller assembly |36 includ'es a pair of rollers 15| and |52 which are disposed betweenv the flanges of the channel |25 and which aremounted on a spindle |53, the rollers 15| and |52 being aligned with the rollers |41 Aand |42, respectively, of the rolle-r assembly 13S-which was described previously. Thus, the roller 15| is adaptedV to engage the track mem-v b`erf6i, or the track member 91, andthe roller |52 :is 'adapted to engage the track member 11. The roller assembly |36 also includes a roller |54 which is aligned Ywithrthe previously discussed roller |45 ofthe' assembly |35, the vroller |54 being adapted to engage the edge offone of the flanges 13 on the track member 6| and the edge o'f one ofthe flanges |01 on the track member 91,'

The roller |54 cooperates with a corresponding roller inthe roller assembly |38 to prevent trans.-

n verse movement of the elevator 50, thus supple- 'necessary herein, ythe hoisting device |60 per se forming n o part, of the present invention. In the particular construction illustrated, the hoisting vdevice |60 includes a reversible electric motor |61 lwhich is lcontrolled by a reversing switch |62 and which is adapted to drive a sprocket (not shown) having a roller chain |63 trained there-` on. rThe hoisting device |60 also includes a limit switch |64 'fonde-energizing the motor |6| whenever it is engaged by one of a pair of projections 65 and |66 on the chain |63. As will vbe discussed in more detail hereinafter, the projections |65 vand |66 on the chain |63 are adapted tclactuate the li-mit switch |64 to limit movement of the elevator 50 along its tracks, the projection being adapted to actuate the switch |64 'limit upward movement of the elevator and the projection |66 being `adapted to actuate thev limit switch to limit downward movement of the elevator.

Preferably, the projection |65 is adjustable to compensate 'for variations in the length of the base section 42 of 'the hoist structure when the baseY section is lengthened or shortened for includes av with buildings of diierent heights. This may be accomplished by making the projection |65 detachable so that it may be moved from one point on the chain |63 to another.

' As best shown in Figs. 2 and 13 of the drawings, the hoisting device |66 is secured to the frame member 66 of the auxiliary section 43 of the hoist structure 4|, as by a hook |69 on the hoisting device engaging a chain |10, or the like, which enoircles the frame member 96. The hoisting device is also supported by a strap |1| which extends between the track members 91 and 96 of the auxiliary section 43 of the hoist structure, the primary function of the strap |1| being to support the hoisting device against sagging when the auxiliary section 43 is rotated into its lowered position. As best shown in Figs. 2, 8 and 13, one end |12 of the chain |63 is connected to a bail |13 the ends of which are connected to eye bolts |14 connected to the transverse frame member |28 of the elevator 56, the projection |65 on the chain for limiting upward movement of the elevator being disposed between the elevator and the hoisting device |66. In the particular construction illustrated in the drawings, the hoisting device |66 is designed to be controlled by an operator on the roof 33' of the building 34 and a handle |15 accessible to such an operator is provided, the handle |15 being connected to the reversing switch |62 by cords |16. Thus, by rocking the handle |15 to actuate the reversing switch |62 through the cords |16, the operator may cause the hoisting device |60 to raise or lower the elevator l56, or he may stop the elevator in any desired position. Preferably, the projections |65 and |66 on the chain |63 are so located that they actuate the limit switch |64 to stop the elevator automatically at upper and lower positions, which is an important feature of the invention. The projection |66 serves another function in that it actuates the limit switch |64 to de-energize the motor |6| so as to prevent running the upper end |11 of the chain |63 through the hoisting device inadvertently. As indicated in Fig. 14 of the drawings, the chain |63 may be allowed to coil up on the roof 33 of the building 64 as the elevator 50 ascends, although a suitable take-up mechanism (not shown) for the chain may be provided if desired.

It will be understood that although I have described the hoisting device |60 as being controllable by an operator on the roof 33 of the building 34 by means of the handle |15 connected to the reversing switch |62, the hoisting device may be made controllable from the ground or other supporting surface on which the hoist structure 4| rests. For example, this may be accomplished by extending the cords |16 so as to permit locating the handle |15 in any suitable positi-on adjacent the lower end of the hoist structure 4|, as indicated in Fig. 1.

It will also be understood that although I have described the hoisting device |60 as electrically operable, a hoisting device which is not electrically operable may be used if desired. For example, a manually operable hoisting device may be used.

An important feature of my invention resides in mounting the hoisting device |60 on the auxiliary section 43 of the hoist structure 4|. This results in reducing the load imposed on the hoist structure 4| by the weight of the material carried by the elevator 50 to approximately one-half the load which would b e imposed thereon if the hoisting device were located at the bottom of the hoist structure. VThe reason for this is, of course, that, if the hoisting device |60 were'located adjacent the bottom of the hoist structure 4|, it would be necessary for the hoisting device |66 to exert a downward pull on the chain |63 equal to the downward pull exerted thereon by the weight of the load carried by the elevator 50, thus doubling the load imposed on the hoist structure 4|.

Referring particularly to Figs. 1'1 to 21 of the drawings, the loading carriage 52 is mounted on a frame, indicated generally by the numeral |8|, which surrounds the lower end of rthe base section 42 of the hoist structure 4| and which is adapted to rest on the ground or other supporting surface on which the foot members 61 and 68 at the lower end of the base section of the hoist structure rest. The frame |8| is rectangular in the particular construction illustrated and is provided with a vertical frame member |82 at each corner, the frame members |82 being interconnected by transversely extending, diagonal bracing members |83' and by forwardly and rearwardly extending frame members |64 which are adapted to rest on the ground. The vertical frame members |82 are also connected in pairs by substantially horizontal, forwardly and rearwardly extending frame members |85 and |86, the latter being parallel and providing tracks for the loading carriage 52. For convenience, the members |85 and |86 will be referred to as track members hereinafter.

As best shown in Figs. 17 and 18 of the drawings, the base section 42 of the hoist structure 4| is pivotally connected to the frame |8| which supports the loading carriage 52, the track -members 6| and 62- of the lower part 44 of the base section having secured thereto a shaft |81 which is journalled at its ends in bearings |68, only one of which is visible in Fig. 18 of the drawings, carried by the track members |85 and |86 of the frame |6|. The track members 6| and 62 are secured to the shaft |61 by clamps |89, one of the latter being shown in detail in Fig. 20 of the drawings.

As bestv shown in Fig. 17 of the drawings, the loading carriage 52 includes two frame members |63 and |94 which are downwardly facing channels in the particular construction illustrated, the channels |93 and |94 being positioned above the track members |85 and |86, respectively. The channel |93 carries two pairs of rollers |35 which engage the track member |85, and the channel |94 carries two pairs of rollers |96 which engage the track member |86. The loading carriage 52 is retained on the track members |85 and |86 by angles |91 which extend under flanges |68 on the track members, the latter being I-beams in the particular construction illustrated.

The load-supporting means 53 on the loading carriage 52 comprises a pair of load-supporting structures 20| and 202 which are pivotally connected to the channels |63 and |64, respectively, at 203 and 204, respectively, in order to permit varying the angle between the load-supporting means and the carriage in correspondence with variations in the angle between the base section 42 of the hoist structure 4| and the supporting frame |8| for the loading carriage. Forward rotation of the load-supporting structures 26| and 262 is prevented by bolts 205 and 266 which engage the channels |63 and |64, respectively, and rearward rotation thereof is prevented by bracing members 201 and '208 which are pivotally connected to the load-supporting structures 20| and be removed therefrom easily.

' up mechanism for aisaemi .202, respectively, and ywhich are adjustably con-1 nected to the channels |93 and |94, respectively, the bracing members 25'! and 258 being slotted vto permit such adjustable connections to the channels IQS and |54 in a manner which will be apparent. Thus, the angle betweenthe-load-supporting structures 29| and 202 and the channels |S3 and ES!! of the loading carriage 52 may be varied byY adjusting fthe bolts 255 and 256 and the bracing members 257 and 208.

The load-supporting structures 25| and '252 respectively include shelf members 2| l and 2l2, exemplified as upwardly-facing channels, which are adapted to receive the `lower edges of panes of glass org other vmaterial, the load-supporting structures 255 and 252 also including supporting Vmembers 2 l 3 and 2 I4, respectively, against which ther'rearmost pane of glassfis'` adapted to rest. In the" particular 'constructionY illustrated, the supporting members 2id andf2|f4 are forwardlyfacing channels which receive cushioning members 2 i5 and 2 I5 for protecting'the glass or other material carried by the load-supporting means 53. As best shown in Figs. 18 and 19 of the drawings, the lower end of the cushioning member 2 5 is adapted to seat against the edge of one of the flanges of the channel 2|?, the member 2|5 having secured thereto blocks 2H which are insertableV into the channel-shaped supporting member 2 I4 to prevent transverse shifting of the member 2 I 6. A similar construction may be employed for the cushioning member 2 i5.

Considering the operation of the hoist with particular referenceto Figs. 1 and 14 of the drawings, it will be Aassumed that the elevator 52,

with the load 3| thereon, is being moved upwardly by the hoisting device |55.V The projection |65 on the chain |63 is preferably so located roof, after releasing the latch |09 which secures the auxiliary section 43 of the hoist structure to the base section 42 thereof, may rotate the auxiliary section into itsv lowered position readily without the expenditure of any appreciable effort.v the operatork rotates the auxiliary section 33 into its lowered position, the standards and lit automatically swing into position to support the auxiliary section.

' With the auxiliary section 43 of the hoist structure in its lowered position, the operator on the roof may move the elevator 56 to the right manually, as viewed in Fig. 14v of the drawings, into a more accessible position so that the Vload 3| vmay that in Fig. 14 of the drawings, the chain |53 is shown as being permitted to coil up on the roof 33 of the buildingl 3f! as the elevator 55 ascends, although, `as previously discussed, `a suitable Atakelamer;v me being adapted to engagetne iatenlpia It will be noted` the chain may beprovided if 14 H0 automatically to secure the auxiliary section in its upright position. Thereafter, the operator on the roof moves the reversing switch |52 to a position to permit the elevator 5t to descend to its lowermost position, i. e., the position indicated by the numeral 50h in Fig. 1 of the drawings. In the event that the operator fails to stop the motor |6| of thehoisting device kwhen the elevator 5B reaches itsr lowermost position, the projection |65 on the chain |63 will engage the limit switch |64 to stop the motor automatically.

yWhile the foregoing is taking place, an operator on the ground or other supporting surface on which the hoist rests places another load,

le. g., the load 54, on the loading carriage 52, the

loading carriage preferably being in its second position, 52a, i.`e., the position shown in broken lines inFig. 1 of the drawings. z Subsequently, the loading carriage 52 is moved intoits first position so that the elevator 55 may move downwardly into its lower position 5012 without interference, the elevator being insertable between the load-supporting structures 26| and 202 on the porting means 53 on thecarriage 52.

loading carriage.

After the elevator reaches its lower position 5G17, the operator on the ground moves the loading carriage 52 into its second position 52a, so as to bring the load 54 on the loading carriage into alignment with the load-supporting means 55 on the elevator. With the loading carriage 52 in its second position, the shelf member or channel |21 forming the load-supporting means 55 on the' elevator 50 will align itself with the yshelf members or channels 2li and 2|2 of the load-supporting means 53 on the loading carriage as the elevator moves upwardly between the load-supporting structures 2G! and 222 of the load-supporting means on the carriage. Thus, when the operator on the roof 33 ofthe building 34 moves the reversing switch |62 to a position to cause the hoisting device |65 to move the elevator 55 upwardly, the load-supporting means 55 will automatically remove the load 54 from the load-sup- Thus, the provision of the loading carriage 52 materially increases the capacity of the hoist since the second load may be placed thereon preparatory .to being picked up ,by the elevator 55| while the elevator is ascending, being unloaded, and descending, which is an important feature of the invention.

The foregoing sequence of operations'is repeated for each load which is to be transferred from the elevation 32 to the roof 33 of the building 34 or other structure.

I prefer to vfabricate the structural components Vof my hoist, i'. e., the hoist structure di, the elevator 50, the loading carriage 52, and the supporting frame 28| for the loading carriage, of aluminum or'aluminum alloys to provide a lightweight hoistwhich may be moved readily from one location to another as required. VIt will be noted that the hoist may also be collapsed to facilitate movement thereof from one location to another'by telescoping the two parts i4 and 45 of the base section 42 together and by detaching the auxiliary section 43 fromr thebase section. n

Although I have disclosed an exemplary embodiment of my invention herein and have suggested a possible application thereof for purposes of illustration, it will be understood that the invention is susceptiblel to various other ap- I plications and `that various changes, modcathe specific embodiment disclosed without necessarily departing from the spirit of the invention. Consequently, I do not intend to be limited to any specific application of the invention and I hereby reserve the right to all changes, substitutions and modifications which come within the scope oi the invention as set forth in appended claims.

I claim as my invention:

1. In an apparatus of the character described for elevating a load from one level of a structure to another, the combination of: an elongated, articulate frame adapted to be leaned against the structure so as to extend between said levels, said frame comprising a base section having an auxiliary section pivotally connected thereto adjacent its upper end, said sections being provided with tracks extending longitudinally of said frame; an elevator movable along said tracks from one of said sections of said frame to the other; and actuating means carried by said auxiliary section for moving said elevator along said tracks.

2. In an apparatus oi the character described for moving a load from one elevation to another, the combination of: an articulate structure adapted to be uprightly positioned to extend between said elevations and comprising pivotally connected, lower and upper sections, said sections being provided with tracks extending substantially from the lower end of said structure to the upper end thereof; an elevator movable along said tracks from one of said sections of said upper section to the other; and actuating means carried by said structure and connected to said elevator for moving said elevator along said tracks from a lower position to an upper position.

3. An apparatus as set forth in claim 2 including means controlling the operation of said actuating means for limiting movement of said elevator as it approaches the ends of said tracks.

4. In a hoist, the combination of: an elongated frame adapted to be leaned against a supporting structure and provided with tracks extending substantially from the lower end thereof to the upper end thereof; an elevator movable along said tracks; and actuating means carried by said frame and connected to said elevator for moving said elevator along said tracks, said actuating means being positioned substantially at the upper end of said frame.

5. In a hoist, the combination of an articulate structure comprising a base section and an upper, auxiliary section pivotally connected to said base section adjacent the upper end thereof, said sections being provided with tracks extending substantially from one end of said structure to the other; an elevator movable along said tracks from one section of said structure to the other, said elevator including a frame and including means on said frame and engageable with said tracks for guiding said elevator along said tracks; and actuating means carried by said auxiliary section and connected to said elevator for moving same along said tracks.

6. In a hoist, the combination of an articulate, elongated structure comprising a base section and an upper, auxiliary section pivotally connected to said base section, said base section comprising two parts which are movable relative to each other longitudinally of said structure to permit varying the length of said base section, said parts of said base section and said auxiliary section being provided with tracks which extend' -the combination of:

i6 substantially from one end of said structure to the other; an elevator movable along said tracks; and actuating means carried by said auxiliary section and connected to said elevator for moving same along said tracks.

7. In a hoist for elevating a load to a roof of a building, the combination of: an articulate structure including a base section adapted to be leaned against a side of the building in a substantially vertical position and adapted to extend above the edge of the roof of the building, said structure including an auxiliary section pivotally connected to said base section adjacent the upper end thereof, said auxiliary section being rotatable relative to said base section from a rst position wherein it is substantially aligned with said base section to a second position wherein it extends transversely of said base section; tracks carried by said base and auxiliary sections of said structure and extending substantially from the lower end of said structure to the upper end thereof; adjustable means pivotally connected to said auxiliary section and adapted to engage the roof of the building for supporting said auxiliary section in said second position; an elevator movable along said tracks; and actuating means connected to said elevator for moving same along said tracks.

8. A hoist according to claim 7 including cooperating means on said base and auxiliary sections of said structure for releasably securing said auxiliary section in its said first position.

9. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of: a carriage adapted to support a load and movable along a substantially horizontal path from a first position to a second position; an elevator movable along a substantially vertical path which intersects the path of said carriage from a lower position to an upper position; and means on said elevator for removing the load from said carriage during upward movement of said elevator from its lower position with said carriage in its second position,

l0. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of: a carriage movable from a rst position to a second position along carriage tracks disposed in a substantially horizontal plane; an elevator movable from a lower position to an upper position along elevator tracks disposed in a generally upright plane which intersects said plane of said carriage tracks; loadsupporting means on said carriage; and loadsupporting means on said elevator adapted to register with said load-supporting means on said carriage when said carriage is in its second position for removing a load carried by said loadsupporting means on said carriage during upward movement of said elevator from its lower position.

ll.. An apparatus as set forth in claim 10 wherein said load-supporting means on said carriage includes a pair of spaced, aligned shelf members and wherein said load-supporting means on said elevator includes a shelf member which is insertable between and adapted to be aligned with said shelf members of said loadsupporting means on said carriage.

l2. In an apparatus of the character described, an articulate, elongated structure adapted to be uprightly positioned and comprising a base section having an auxiliary section pivotally connected thereto, said sections being provided with elevator tracks extending substantially from the lower end of said structure to the upper end thereof; an elevator movable along said elevator said elevator tracks; substantially horizontal carriage tracks adjacent the lower end of said structure; a carriage movable along said carriage tracks from Ya first position to a second position;

lthe combination of:

load-supporting means on said carriage; rand load-supporting means on said elevator adapted to register with said load-supporting means on said carriage'when said carriage is in its second position for removing` a load carried by said loadsupporting means on said carriage during upward movementof said elevator from its lower position along said elevator tracks.

13. In an apparatus of the character described,

the combination of a rst frame section comprising a pair of spaced, substantially parallel first track members each of which is provided with an inwardly extending, longitudinal track ange; a second frame section movable relative to and adapted to overlap said rst frame section, said second frame section comprising a pair of spaced, substantially parallel second track members which are adapted to receive said rst frame section therebetween and each of which is provided with an outwardly extending, longitudinal track flange; a carriage; and means on said car` riage comprising a plurality of rollers adapted to engage said track flanges on said first and second track members for guiding said carriage along said first and second track members.

14. An apparatus as set forth in claim 13r l`ber, said second track member having thereon a second longitudinal track flange which extends transversely in the opposite direction from said rst track flange; a carriage; and means on said carriage forV guiding same along said first and second track members, said guiding means comprising a first pair of rollers which are adapted to engage the edgeslof said first and second track flanges, respectively, comprising a second pair of rollers each of which is adapted to engage one side of one of said track flanges, and comprising a third pair of rollers each of which is adapted to engage the opposite side of one of said track flanges.

16. An apparatus as set forth in claim 10 wherein said carriage tracks and said elevator tracks are pivotally connected to permit varying the angle between said planes of said carriage and elevator tracks.

17. An apparatus as set forth in claim V10 wherein said load-supporting lmeans on said carriage is pivotally connected to said carriage to permit varying the angle therebetween.

18. In an apparatus of the character described, an articulate structure adapted to be uprightly positioned and comprising a base section having an auxiliary section pivotally connected thereto adjacent its upper end; tracks carried by said base and auxiliary sections of said structure and extending substantiallyvfrom the lower end of said structure to the upper end thereof; an elevator movable along said tracks; and actuating means carried by said auxiliary section of said structure and connected to said elevator for moving said elevator alongv said tracks.

19. An apparatus according to claim 18 including means adapted to de-energize said actuating means for limiting movement of said elevator along said tracks.

20. An apparatus as set forth in claim Y2 wherein the center of gravity of said elevator is substantially opposite the pivotal connection between said sections when said elevator is in its said upper position.

21. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of a first frame section comprising a pair of spaced, substantially parallel rst track members each of which is provided with an upper side and an inner edge, said inner Yfirst frame section, said second frame section comprising a pair of spaced, substantially parallel second track members which are adapted to' receive said rst frame section therebetween and each of which is provided with an .upper side and an outer edge, said outer edges facing outwardly of said second frame section and away from each other; a carriage; and means on said carriage comprising a plurality of rollers adapted to engage said sides and said edges of said rst and second track members for guiding said carriage along said first and second track members.

22. An apparatus as set forth in claim 21 wherein said rst and second track members are provided with lower sides and wherein said means for guiding said carriage along said rst and second track members includes additional rollers adapted to engage said lower sides of said rst and second track-members.

f J. ROYDEN ESTEY.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the le of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Alves Aug. 30, 1949 Certiicate of Correction f 15ste@ No. 2,526,071 october 17, 195o 4. JAMES ROYDEN ESTEY It is hereby certified that error appears in the printed specification of the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows:

Column 4, line 27, for the Word subsequently read substantially; ycolumn line 34, forpyfupper section read structure; line 35, for structure read j :upper section; "column 16, lines 22 and 25, strike outthe Words and semicolon adjustable means pivotally connected to said auxiliary section and adapted to engage the roof lof the building for supporting said auxiliary section in I said second position, and insert the same before tracks in line 19, same column; 'and that the said Letters Patent should be read as corrected above, so that the same may conform to the record of the case in the Patent Oiice.

Signed and sealed this 19th day of December, A. D. 1950.

THOMAS F. MURPHY, l

Assistant ommz'ssz'oner of Patents. 

